The Rajasthan Royals are all set to take on the Chennai Super Kings at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The last time these two sides face other was at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium where Sanju Samson led a riot against the Chennai Super Kings spinners. Sanju Samson targeted Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja to such extent posting a total of over 180 runs at the end of 20 overs.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings failed to capitalize early as they fell short of the target by a small margin despite the late blitz by MS Dhoni. looking at both the sides’ position in the points table, they’re lying low in the points table after a dismal show in this season. They need to win all their next games to pose a chance to qualify for the playoffs otherwise it all seems like a goodbye for both the franchises.
When we talk about match winners, both sides possess big-game players but for some reason, they haven’t fired enough this season. Barring from Rahul Tewatia and Jofra Archer, Rajasthan Royals players have been disappointing this season.
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Also in the Chennai camp a lot many problems have surfaced with Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh backing out to Dwayne Bravo dealing with multiple injuries, the CSK side is definitely having a hard time in the UAE.
With both sides into a situation of must-win, let’s expect a cracker of a game between the two sides which is why let’s take a look at the five players to watch out for when Chennai Super Kings lock horns with Rajasthan Royals
Let’s take a look at the five players to watch out for when Chennai Super Kings lock horns with Rajasthan Royals:
1. Sam Curran
The English Allrounder has been rising star for the Chennai Super Kings franchise ever since the first game that happened against Mumbai Indians. Other than his sublime bowling performance we’ve also seen glimpses of his firm striking of the ball.
In the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, we saw Sam Curran open the batting alongside Faf Du Plessis where he scored a quickfire 31 off 21 deliveries. It is expected that Curran will continue to open later in the tournament as well since he was responsible for giving Chennai Super Kings the required start in the powerplay, what was missing ever since the IPL season started.
2. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia has done what the likes of Jos Buttler, Steve Smith couldn’t do for the Rajasthan Royals side this season. One can never forget those 5 sixes he hit in an over to Sheldon Cottrel during that match against Kings XI Punjab. He has been one player for Rajasthan who has been contributing with both bat and ball this season.
As a bowler, he has one of the best bowling figures playing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Which is why watching Rahul Tewatia bat and bowl is always pleasing to the eye as there is always new to expect from the Haryana player.
3. Robin Uthappa
The experienced campaigner who played over 6 seasons for the Kolkata Knight Riders wasn’t having a good time batting out of position for Rajasthan Royals. He was asked to bat in the middle order instead of opening the innings as that is his usual batting position.
But in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Robin Uthappa was asked to open the innings along with Ben Stokes and he did bank on the opportunity given to him as he scored a quickfire 41. With Robin Uthappa at his usual position, we expect him to be a match-winner for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming matches.
4. Ben Stokes
The anticipated return of the World’s best all-rounder at present Ben Stokes happened a few days back. Though this season we’re watching him opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals instead of batting in the middle order which is a newly defined role for the English all-rounder.
Though he really didn’t have a great outing with both bat and ball in both games we shall all expect a big inning from the man from England very soon as he has the reputation of being a top-class player who finishes off matches for his side.
5. Faf Du Plessis
The former Proteas skipper has been in tremendous form ever since the start of this edition of IPL. Averaging 61 in the 7 matches he played, right up on the second spot scoring 365 runs.
The SRH Bowlers upfront should be ready with their spells because the form Faf is in while opening for the team, it won’t take him time to snatch away the game single-handedly from the Sunrisers Hyderabad side.